SearchOhio

What is SearchOhio?

SearchOhio is a group of public libraries in the State of Ohio whose catalogs are all linked together to allow easy sharing of materials between the members. This resource sharing allows you to get the materials you desire from the member libraries when our library does not have an available copy, quickly and cost effectively.

Items may also be requested from Ohio's college and university libraries that participate in OhioLINK.

Who are the Member Libraries?

More than forty Ohio member libraries participate in SearchOhio with more to be added:

Akron-Summit County Public Library

Alexandria Public Library

Bexley Public Library

Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County

Clark County Public Library

Clermont County Public Library

Columbus Metro Library

Cuyahoga County Public Library

Cuyahoga Falls Public Library

Delaware County District Library

Fairfield County Public Library

Grandview Heights Public Library

Granville Public Library

Greene County Public Library

Kent Free Library

London Public Library

Louisville Public Library

Mansfield/Richland County Public Library

Marysville Public Library

Massillon Public Library

Mentor Public Library

Midpointe Library System

Pataskala Public Library

Pickaway County Public Library

Pickerington Public Library

Plain City Public Library

Portage County Public Library

Reed Memorial Library

Rodman Public Library

Salem Public Library

Southwest Public Library

Stark County District Library

Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library

Toledo-Lucas County Public Library

Upper Arlington Public Library

Wadsworth Public Library

Wagnalls Memorial Library

Warren-Trumbull County Public Library

Washington-Centerville Public Library

Westerville Public Library

Westlake Porter Public Library

Worthington Public Library

Public Library of Youngstown/Mahoning County

How Many Materials are Available?

Over 60 million volumes are listed in the central databases for SearchOhio and OhioLINK.

How Do Items Get Requested through SearchOhio?

Always search for the title you want through Rodman Public Library's WebPAC first. If Rodman doesn't own the title, click the SearchOhio button that appears at the top or bottom of the screen in the row of navigation buttons. Another button also appears in the search results next to the "Your entry would be here" statement. The search will be passed through to the central SearchOhio catalog.

The central catalog displays the search results. Select the title that you want and then click the "Request this title" link in the center of the page:

When asked for the library you are affiliated with, select Rodman PL from the drop-down list. The next steps are exactly like placing a hold in our catalog: enter your last name, enter your barcode number, and select a location for pickup. Once the "Submit" button is clicked, a confirmation message that the request has been placed will display.

If an item is not available through SearchOhio, an option is available to search the OhioLINK database and request items from them.

How Long Does it Take to Get Something?

After you place your request, it will take 5-10 days for the material to be ready for pickup. This includes retrieval and packing time at the owning library, transportation via our cargo service, and unpacking time at our library. Pickup of items at the Branch will take an additional day.

Where Can I Pick Up My Request?

Items will be delivered for pickup at the Main Library or Branch. The Library will notify you when your material is ready for pickup.

What Prevents a Request from Going Through?

A number of things can affect a request from being completed:

You owe too much money or have a block on your account.

Teachers, children, restricted patrons, and visitors are not allowed to borrow.

Rodman Library has an available copy.

A hold has been placed on the item at the owning library.

All copies in the central catalog are checked out, missing, not requestable, etc. Only titles that have available items will be loaned.

How Long is the Loan Period?

Books, CDs, and audiobooks will circulate for 21 days

DVDs and videos will circulate for 7 days

All items may be renewed 3 times unless another patron at the owning library wants the item. You may renew them online or by telephone as with any Rodman materials.

What are the Fines and Replacement Fees for SearchOhio Items?

All items are charged $.50 per day for overdue items.

The maximum overdue charge is $25.00. The replacement fee for lost or damaged items is $25.00.